Challenges of the public health response to a rare case of non-autochthonous Mycobacterium leprae, Ireland, 2024

This case report details the public health response to a multibacillary leprosy case in Ireland. The case presented with hypopigmented skin lesions and neurological symptoms. Challenges included delayed recognition in the clinical setting, contact tracing within a congregate setting and lack of specific Irish guidelines. Comprehensive contact tracing, chemoprophylaxis and follow-up care were implemented, guided by international protocols. This case underscores the need for tailored guidelines and stigma mitigation strategies for this neglected tropical disease in non-endemic regions.